However, within an hour of the announcement, the party said no decision had been made in running candidates in the Northern Ireland local government elections for 2019 and the two were accused of going "on a solo run".

Sorcha McAnespy explained that as she would be standing for election, she could only stand for Fianna Fail as outlined in party rules.

On Wednesday it was confirmed Mark Daly had been stripped of his role as deputy leader of the Seanad and his position as the party's foreign affairs spokesman.

He said he accepted the decision and would continue to work hard for his constituents.

It is understood Eamon O Cuiv is to meet with Fianna Fail officials on Wednesday evening.

Fianna Fail is in talks with the SDLP about a possible partnership before the 2019 elections but, it's thought, is some way from any announcement.

Breaking: Senator Mark Daly has been stripped of his role as deputy leader of the Seanad over his involvement in announcing Fianna Fails’s first candidate in Northern Ireland.